Home Remedies and Herbs for Chronic Childhood Arthritis

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints. Childhood arthritis, also called juvenile arthritis, is a term used to describe arthritis in children. The most common type is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis, meaning it’s from an unknown cause. Chronic childhood arthritis can result in disability, though remission and treatment are possible. Juvenile arthritis affects approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 in America. ^1,2,3

What Causes Chronic Childhood Arthritis?

Chronic childhood arthritis causes are usually attributed to an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body begins attacking its own cells. The malfunctioning immune system targets the joint linings, which is called the synovial membrane. This leads to inflammation, which can later cause joint damage.^2,3 

The exact cause or trigger for this autoimmune condition is not known, but it’s believed to have a genetic component. Genetic mutations coupled with environmental factors, such as viral infections, are thought to play a role in triggering the disease. Though it’s not known why, some forms of childhood arthritis are more common in females.^3,4,5

Chronic Childhood Arthritis Symptoms

Chronic childhood arthritis symptoms include:

• Join pain
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness of joints
• Fever 
• Rash
• Loss of appetite
• Limping
• Difficulty performing fine motor tasks

Children in pain from arthritis may be reluctant to use one of their arms or may have difficulty engaging in everyday mobile activities, such as play. Children might also appear excessively clumsy due to decreased mobility in their joints.1,2

Other complications have been known to occur, such as eye inflammation and growth problems, when not treated properly/ In some cases, children may only experience symptoms for a few months before they go away. Other times, chronic childhood arthritis symptoms persist throughout their lifetime.⁶ 

Symptoms of juvenile arthritis are similar to those of various bone disorders, Lyme disease, lupus, and childhood cancer. These conditions must be ruled out before diagnosis of juvenile arthritis. Doctors use a variety of blood tests and imaging scans to diagnose arthritis in children.^3,7

Chronic childhood arthritis treatment involves a care approach that helps improve joint function, prevent joint damage, and control joint pain. This can be done through medications, physical therapy, and in some cases joint surgery. A healthy diet and anti-inflammatory herbs may also help patients manage their symptoms.^6,8

References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/types.html
2. https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Juv_Arthritis/juvenile_arthritis_ff.asp
3. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Juvenile-Arthritis
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/causes/con-20014378
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/risk-factors/con-20014378
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/definition/con-20014378
7. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20014378
8. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/treatment/con-20014378